“This bill will ensure the health of our state’s children,” Cann said. “It is bad enough for a parent to lose their child’s insurance; we don’t need to make them suffer for a year before we help them out.”

House Bill 4373 eliminates the mandatory one year waiting period between a child’s family losing their employer-sponsored health insurance and eligibility for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

“CHIP is an irreplaceable asset to West Virginia families,” Cann said. “By passing this bill, we are making it more accessible to children in need.”

CHIP provides eligible children with essential health care needs including doctor visits, checkups, hospital visits, immunizations and prescriptions. Eligibility is based on family income.

“Today, the House decided to put West Virginia’s children first. I hope the Senate will decide the same.”